Theres something fascinating about watching a robot dog in action. Maybe its the uncanny lifelike movement, or perhaps its the realization that were inching closer to a future once reserved for sci-fi novels. I remember the first time I saw Boston Dynamics Spot bounding across a demo stageit was all sleek power, like a show-dog bred in a lab. Now, with the Petoi Bittle X, you get a bite-sized version of that vision. But this one fits on your desk, doesnt cost as much as a car, andheres the kickeryou can build and program it yourself.Weve been fans of Bittle X for years, but what we love about our prized little robot dog is that it shatters the myth that you cant teach old dogs new tricks. Bittle X is always ready to learn, unlearn, and relearn new tricks, and will eventually inherit its own personality from you the hacking master. How your Bittle X grows and evolves depends entirely on what tricks you teach it and the best part is that you learn valuable STEM skills in the process too, as you help code actions and commands into your robot dog, now even with AI and IoT capabilities! In fact, Petois been organizing online robotics competitions around the world to see how people hack/upgrade their robot pets using modules, custom parts, and a fair bit of AI and code.Designer: Rongzhong LiClick Here to Buy Now: $226.99 $279 ($52 off, use coupon code 10yanko to get extra $10 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!Bittle X is small enough to stand squarely on your palm, with a plastic chassis thats sturdy enough for tumbles yet light enough for its bionic legs to handle. The legs, by the way, are where the magic happens. Unlike wheels, which might be easier to design and program, the legs give this robot a natural gait. Watching it trot, turn, and even pop into a backflip or a frontflip, you cant help but smileits as though someone shrunk Spot and sprinkled in a little whimsy. There are even damper springs in the legs slim enclosure to soften shocks to its precise gear system.Easy to Develop AI, IoT and Robotics Applications for Quadruped Robot DogBut this isnt just a show ponyor, well, show dog. Bittle X is powered by Petois BiBoard, an ESP32 microcontroller with enough horsepower to support serious experimentation. Whether youre programming it in C++ or Python or tinkering with its Scratch-like block-based coding interface, the robot is more than happy to follow your lead. Ive seen plenty of learn to code gadgets, but few balance this level of flexibility with accessibility. Kids can start simple, chaining basic movements together, while more advanced users can dive into voice commands and sensor integration. For serious tinkering, Petoi offers OpenCat, their open-source robotic framework to endlessly customize your robot pet, or even build new pets on the same framework.While most Boston Dynamics presentations involve a man behind the curtains with a massive remote controller, Bittle X goes a step ahead to let you intuitively talk to your dog through voice commands. Preloaded with over 35 tricks, itll respond to your orders with surprisingly fluid moves. Tell it to play dead, handstand, or execute that flashy backflip, and itll comply like a well-trained poochalbeit one that runs on battery power. What really makes this feature shine is the option to program custom commands. Imagine having your robotic buddy perform a choreographed sequence to your favorite tune. TikTok would go nuts! If youre a traditionalist, Bittle X does come with its own remote control and mobile app for an easier UX.Bittle X is a tad bit more powerful than its sibling, the original Bittle. Its upgraded BiBoard gives it much more potential, including the ability to integrate AI into the dog. One such tinkerer, a data scientist by the name of Omer Colakoglu, integrated ChatGPTs API right into Bittle X, allowing him to have much more natural language conversations with his pet dog rather than rely purely on fixed voice commands. This AI-enhanced Bittle X could understand different languages, broadening its appeal and allowing people around the world to talk to their robot pets in the language theyre most comfortable with. Dogs, after all, dont come with language barriers, do they?For those who prefer to tinker under the hood, assembling Bittle X is half the fun. Available as a DIY kit, it invites you to piece together its limbs, circuits, and sensors like a tech-savvy Dr. Frankenstein. Theres something deeply satisfying about building your own robot, especially when its followed by the thrill of watching it take its first (albeit programmed) steps. Its an educational goldmine, too. Kids and adults alike get a hands-on lesson in electronics, mechanics, programming, and robotics.If youre itching to level up, Bittle X is more than happy to oblige. Petoi offers optional add-ons, including a camera module that lets the robot see its environment and a sensor pack for detecting light, touch, gestures, and movement. With these upgrades, you can teach it to navigate obstacles or follow hand gestures. Suddenly, your desk-sized dog is doing things that wouldnt look out of place in a research lab. In fact, universities like Harvard, MIT, and CMU have even used these toy-like quadruped bots in their own research papers.Petoi also actively cultivates a vibrant community through engaging competitions. Take their Spring 2024 Robotics Challenge, for instance, where enthusiasts showcased their Bittle creations in imaginative scenarios. One standout was Martin Kuba, whose Bittle interacted with household robots, culminating in a delightful twist. Another, Reid Graves from Carnegie Mellon University, programmed his Bittle to autonomously detect and collect acorns a fairly menial task for something that could become our robot overlord one day?? You decide! Even kids as young as 10 years old participated in creating new dance moves for Bittle X and programmed it to sing birthday songs.Practicality, as always, comes with trade-offs. Bittle X runs on a rechargeable battery, offering about an hour of continuous walking. While that might not sound like much, real dogs dont keep walking. Its more than enough for an afternoon of experimentation or a few rounds of impressing your friends. Charging is easy, toojust plug it into a USB port, and youre back in business or build a solar panel onto the back of your dog, theres an idea for you!At $236.99 during the holiday sale, Bittle X is an accessible entry point into robotics, coding, and AI. Think of it as mans best friendif your best friend could do backflips and teach you to code. Whether youre raising a future robotics genius or just want a four-legged gadget that doesnt need feeding, Bittle X delivers. It may not be big enough to fetch your slippers, but itll definitely fetch some envy from your friends.Click Here to Buy Now: $226.99 $279 ($52 off, use coupon code 10yanko to get extra $10 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!The post This $236 Robot Dog Obeys Voice Commands, Does Backflips, and even supports ChatGPT Integration first appeared on Yanko Design.

The holidays are upon usa time for indulgence, connection, and, lets face it, a good drink or two. Whether its a smoky whiskey by the fire, warm sake after a snowy stroll, or a crisp tequila at a festive bash, the vessel you sip from matters more than youd think. Forget the clunky glassware that feels like it belongs in a dive barthis titanium shot glass is here to elevate your holiday moments.More than just a cup, its a centerpiece for celebration, designed for those who know that every detaildown to their drinkwareshould reflect good taste and impeccable style. This is your invitation to sip smarter, savor deeper, and toast with flair.Designer: Idea Sekikawa DesignClick Here to Buy Now: $27Because Ordinary Isnt EnoughYour average shot glass is a utility playerfunctional, sure, but hardly inspiring. This titanium marvel flips the script. At just 22 grams, its light as air yet solid in the hand, offering that perfect mix of elegance and utility. Its compact size makes it easy to take wherever the holidays take you, whether thats a cozy cabin or a lively holiday party.And then theres the hammered texture. It doesnt just look stunning under twinkling lightsit works overtime, enhancing the aroma of your favorite spirits and making every sip a sensory journey.Designed to DelightShot glasses often get relegated to the back of the cabinet, their aesthetics uninspired. This titanium beauty deserves pride of place. Thanks to its vibrant anodized finish, no two glasses are the samethink of it as the bespoke tailoring of drinkware. The thin lip ensures every sip is smooth and refined, while its texture provides the grip you need for toasts that last long into the night.Whether under string lights at a holiday bash or tucked into a weekend bag for a winter getaway, this shot glass fits effortlessly into your plans. Its what happens when craftsmanship meets charisma.For the Hard-to-ImpressShopping for someone with discerning taste is no easy feat. Theyve already got the designer coat, the vintage watch, and the artisanal coffee grinder. But do they have a shot glass forged in the legendary workshops of Tsubame City, Japan? Probably not.This isnt your run-of-the-mill drinkware. Since 1971, the artisans of Tsubame have perfected their craft, shaping each piece with precision and artistry. The anodizing process gives each glass its distinct, enduring color, while the hammered texture makes every piece a unique reflection of the owners style. Its a story of heritage, modernity, and impeccable craftsmanship wrapped in one perfect holiday gift.Raise a Toast to the HolidaysPicture this: A crackling fire, the titanium glass in your hand catching the soft glow of holiday candles as you sip a rich, smoky whiskey. Or maybe its a festive gathering, with friends swapping stories and toasts over glasses as unique as the memories youre making. This isnt just drinkwareits an invitation to savor the seasons most meaningful moments.Whether youre treating yourself or surprising someone special, this titanium shot glass delivers artistry, sophistication, and just the right amount of swagger. After all, isnt that what the holidays are all aboutraising the bar, literally and figuratively?Click Here to Buy Now: $27The post This Titanium Shot Glass Is the Ultimate Holiday Gift for Tequila, Sake, and Whiskey Enthusiasts first appeared on Yanko Design.

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MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsVery fast RAID 0 performance2TB to 32TB capacityCross-platform SoftRAID Pro includedRugged carrying case.ConsSuper expensiveOur Verdict Its pricey, but OWCs Thunderblade four-slot, NVMe SSD Thunderbolt 3 enclosure delivers the performance goodswith up to 32TB of capacityto the pros that need it. Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayOWCs ThunderBlade delivers excellent read and write performance in a handsome, svelte package that is available in capacities up to a whopping 32TB. In fact its the third fastest external SSD weve tested, and the fastest Thunderbolt SSD in the charts. What it is not, is cheap. Expect to lay down thousands, not hundreds for the experience. For a product aimed at film and video pros, thats not generally an issue. For you and meThe ThunderBlade is a black, radiator-finned, 4-slot NVMe M.2 SSD enclosure measuring approximately 7.5-inches long, by 4.75-inches wide, by 1-inch tall. Its a rather hefty (and sexy by my lights) beast at 1-pound, 10-ounces. No inadvertently sliding off the table with this one.The Thunderbolt 3 ports and power connector on the back of the ThunderBlade.A 3-inch long slit on the front is home to the power/activity LED, while the rear of the unit offers up two Thunderbolt 3 ports as well as the DC input jack. The power brick (AC adapter) that fits into said input is 15 volts and 4.8 amps.As its envisioned as fast, rugged storage for video fieldwork, the ThunderBlade comes in a sturdy carrying case that fits both the drive and the power adapter. The case is made of thick, impact-resistant plastic that were sure will hold up.The ThunderBlade sitting in its rugged carrying case.The ThunderBlade ships with a three-year license for the Pro version of the companys cross-platform SoftRAID software. After three years, you lose the ability to create new arrays, but basic functionality remains intactyou dont lose use of the drive.You may of course also use macOSs or Windows own software solutions, but youre then tied to one or the other operating system. One reason I prefer hardware RAID is that its OS-independent. Many of the recovery tools I use are Linux-based.Note that the ThunderBlade is also available in an eight-slot version, logically monikered the ThunderBlade X8. Alas, youd think it would top out at 64TB, but its currently sitting at 16TB with a 32TB version out soon. We wish there were unpopulated versions of both the four-slot and eight-slot.OWC ThunderBlade: PriceHold onto your hats folks: the entry-level 2TB ThunderBlade we tested costs a cool $800. It gets steeper from there, with the 4TB version costing $1,180, the 8TB version is $1,800, the 16TB version is $2800, and the 32TB version setting you back a rather daunting $6,000.The ThunderBlade sitting on its side, upright.The pricing places the ThunderBlade firmly in AV professional territory, as there are certainly cheaper ways for end users to get this type of performance and capacity. At least up to 16TB. 8TB SSDs still carry a hefty premium at well over $1,000 each (four are in the 32TB version).OWCs own 1M2 and especially Adatas SE920 40Gbps USB 4 SSDs come to mind as more affordable options for end users.Still, OWC makes high-quality goods and the warranty is three years which is good for an external drive. But given the price, we do wish the SoftRAID Pro license was perpetual, not limited to three years.How fast is the ThunderBlade?Pretty darn fast would be the answer to this question. Even with the four smaller 480GB SSDs OWC shipped in our test unit, the ThunderBlade proved the third fastest external SSD Ive tested. Its bested only by the aforementioned Adata SE920 and OWCs 1M2both 40Gbps USB 4 drives.Testing on a Mac Studio with AmorphousDiskMark and Disk Speed test proceeded without incident, but there were one or two incidents with PCWorlds test bed that are described at the end of this section.We tested in RAID 0 and RAID 1+0, which you might consider for redundancy in the larger capacity configurations. We also tested the ThunderBlade in non-RAID as single drives but performance was as weak as it was with the recently reviewed OWC Express 4M2. About 840MBps reading, and 750MBps writing.IMHO, theres no reason to buy a ThunderBlade if you dont run it in RAID 0. NVMe SSDs are not the failure risks that hard drives are, and there are cheaper options for single drives.Nothing wrong with these sequential and random transfer numbers from AmorphousDiskMark. .Blackmagicdesigns Disk Speed Test rated the ThunderBlade as considerably slower than AmorphousDiskMark, with the latter being more in line with the Windows test tools shown after the Disk Speed Test graphic.Disk Speed Test didnt rate the ThunderBlade at highly as AmorphousDiskMarkCrystalDiskMark 8 on IDGs PCWorld Windows test bed thought very highly of the TunderBlades sequential transfer capabilities as you can see below. Though not as fast as the USB 4 drives, the ThunderBlade is pretty darn fast.Random performance under CrystalDiskMark 8 was good, but not as good as the USB 4 drives.Random performance under CrystalDiskMark 8 was good, but not as good as the USB 4 drives.The ThunderBlade was very fast in our 48GB transfer tests. Holding its own against the two extremely fast USB 4 SSDs.The ThunderBlade was very fast in our 48GB transfer tests. Holding its own with the two extremely fst USB 4 SSDs.The SSDs being only 480GB did rule out our 450GB (483 billion bytes) write to a single drive, but we expect it would be as slow as the 4M2s[link when possible) we recently reviewed. The ThunderBlade in RAID 0 is fantastic in this large file write, portending good things when you stream 4K or 8K video to it.The ThunderBlade as fantastic in this large file write, portending good things when you stream 4K or 8K video to it.As to those Window idiosyncrasies, in a couple of instances, a reboot was required before a SoftRAID volume or the separate drives would show up. And bizarrely, when I forgot to reformat to NTFS from APFS, SoftRAID still mounted the APFS volume and CrystalDiskMark 8 and AS SSD both ran fine. By what mechanism this was possible, I have no idea (no other suitable software installed) unless SoftRAID sports an APFS driver for Windows. If it does, it isnt perfect as our real-world 48GB test write froze at the 88 percent mark. Once reformatted to NTFS, everything was hunky-dory and the ThunderBlade performed as advertised.Should you buy the OWC Thunderblade 4?We like the styling, we love the rugged enclosure and carrying case, and the performance is excellent in RAID 0the only way the ThunderBlade should be utilized by my lights. That leaves financial wherewithal as your sole consideration when buying a ThunderBlade.